The 1/8th rule was established to ensure that members receive their vacation entitlements while still providing appropriate and adequate human resources to manage operational requirements.
The 1/8th rule is used for determining how many members of a front line unit may be off on vacation at one time. For instance, with 1-8 members, one member off, for 9-16 another member can be off and so on. The sergeants are included in the platoon number.
This can be done by platoon, by unit, by detachment or by cluster. Members not included would be those on an administrative schedule performing duties that work independently of a platoon. For instance, those working in a vault would not be included with those working on prisoner transport. Additionally, members permanently accommodated and not working frontline duties would not be included.
If you have any further concerns, contact your local Branch Representative.
As we are all aware, the OPP is a deployed service made up of many work locations, including clusters, made up of more than one detachment. Past practice has allowed a few different methods of selection, however, all are based on seniority and the 1/6th rule.
- Select by Cluster: members of a clustered detachment will select in order of seniority
- Select by Detachment: members of each detachment in a cluster will select in order of seniority
- Select by Platoon: members of individual platoons/units select in order of seniority.
Platoon selection is a local selection system that is to be agreed upon by affected members. As in Q&A#2 there needs to be a 50% + 1 majority of the members who chose to vote in order to determine the local process. The platoon system does recognize seniority (within the platoon) but because the pool of members is smaller may be more restrictive. Management should ensure that there is an equal balance of seniority between platoons to avoid this issue. (Member’s continuous OPS date can be found in the WIN system)
The process that we agreed to along with Human Resources is as follows: prior to selection, a cluster vote should occur that enables all members included in the 1/6th rule to vote as to whether they would rather select by detachment or by cluster. There needs to be a 50% + 1 majority of the members who chose to vote in order to determine your local process. The other criteria is that the process selected does not adversely affect operations.
The system is based on seniority, but also on being fair and equitable. We were successful in the Draper grievance settlement that ensures that the 1/6th rule is in effect for the whole year, including July and August.
In order to be fair and equitable, senior members with 14 years’ service can select up to 2 weeks in the summer and any other weeks of their yearly allotment outside of those dates. Members with less than 14 yrs can select up to one week in the same timeframe. Once the roster has passed through the members by seniority, the roster returns to the senior member with less than 14 yrs to select a second week in the summer if they choose. Once the second summer week has been offered down the line, any remaining summer weeks will be offered to the most senior member and so on.
Police orders entitles you to two “weeks” of leave between 15 Jun and 15 Sept. Members choosing two “blocks” can end up with over 24 days off which is not the intent. As stated, the Detachment Commander decides on weeks or blocks. Choosing two blocks in a row would limit other members from taking time off in the summer. The selection method should be fair while still being based on seniority.
For recall purposes, you will be deemed to be on vacation for seven clear days even when selecting by block. The days designated should be understood by the members and the Detachment Commander prior to using the leave.
Police Orders indicates members entitlement based on weeks. Past practice has been to select by the week, usually from Sun-Sat. Some locations have found it beneficial to select by the block for ease in scheduling. Members on 12 hour shifts would benefit from the block system in that less time is required to be used to enjoy more days off. The Detachment Commander has the ability to approve either method.